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Locally owned firm named as DNC construction manager

Posted at 10:57 AM, Feb 10, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-10 18:33:48-05

MILWAUKEE — A local, minority-owned firm has been named the construction manager for the Democratic National Convention. JCP Construction says it will need 100 employees to help put on the massive event.

JCP Construction, a small Milwaukee company of 35 employees, has been tasked with the construction aspect of transforming Fiserv Forum and its surroundings for the convention. President and co-owner James Phelps said the company's local ties mean more jobs and D.N.C. money will be staying in our community.

Soon, J.C.P. Construction will be at Fiserv Forum to build out the convention stages and gathering places with a focus on representing Milwaukee and its people. For Phelps, it starts with having a diverse staff.

"We try to maximize hiring people that reflect the city of Milwaukee and the surrounding communities that we do serve," he said.

JCP Construction has helped with several big projects in Milwaukee over the past 11 years. The company served as a carpentry and concrete sub-contractor for Fiserv Forum construction.

JCP Construction also helped with various projects for the Northwestern Mutual tower construction with people of color representing more than half of the company's staff.

Milwaukee Bucks Senior Vice President Alex Lasry said if the team makes a deep playoff push, JCP Construction may be working under tight deadlines leading up to the D.N.C.

"It will be handling kind of turning the arena into what the convention will become and then putting it back exactly how they found it," Lasry said.

Phelps said that will require a lot more help than the company currently has to offer. He said JCP will need 100 experienced carpenters to join their team with starting pay at $25 an hour.

"We're looking mainly for people who already have those skills, but I would say that there's always opportunities through our sub-contractors and vendors that will be on the project for apprentice opportunities as well," Phelps said.

If you're looking for a construction-related job during the DNC, click here to apply.

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